John Day Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, and where to stay in John Day, Oregon. This travel guide covers everything from the local food scene to outdoor adventures.


Introduction to John Day

Located in Eastern Oregon, John Day is a small town known for its natural beauty and rich history. The town is named after the John Day River, which flows through the area, creating stunning landscapes that are perfect for outdoor adventures. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your trip to John Day, offering suggestions for places to visit, things to do, and where to stay.

List of Places to Visit in John Day

There are several places to visit in John Day that offer a glimpse into the town’s rich history and natural beauty. Here are some top picks:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Kam Wah Chung & Co. Museum: This museum is a national historic site that displays the history of Chinese immigrants in the region.
  • Grant County Historical Museum: Explore the town’s history through exhibits on local culture, mining, and ranching.
  • John Day Fossil Beds National Monument: This national monument features three separate units, each with unique geological formations and fossils from the region.

Natural Attractions of John Day: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Strawberry Mountain Wilderness: This area features rugged peaks, meadows, and over 65 miles of hiking trails.
  • Blue Basin: Located within the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, this area offers stunning views of unique geologic formations.
  • Malheur National Forest: This forest covers over 1.7 million acres and offers endless opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of John Day

John Day offers some of the best hiking and biking routes in Oregon. Here are some of the top trails to explore:

  • Sutton Mountain Trail: This trail is 6.4 miles long and offers stunning views of the John Day Valley.
  • Painted Hills Overlook Trail: This trail is 1.6 miles long and offers panoramic views of the Painted Hills unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.
  • Blue Basin Cove Trail: This trail is 3.25 miles long and takes hikers through unique geologic formations in the Blue Basin unit of the national monument.

Best Things to Do in John Day: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and biking, there are many other activities and tours to enjoy in John Day. Here are some top picks:

  • Rafting on the John Day River: Explore the river by raft, taking in the stunning scenery and wildlife along the way.
  • Horseback riding: Many local outfitters offer guided horseback rides through the area.
  • Hot springs: The nearby towns of Prairie City and Ukiah offer natural hot springs that are perfect for a relaxing soak.

Week-Long Itinerary for John Day

If you’re planning to spend a week in John Day, here’s a suggested itinerary:

  • Day 1: Visit the Kam Wah Chung & Co. Museum, followed by a hike on the Sutton Mountain Trail.
  • Day 2: Explore the Grant County Historical Museum, followed by a bike ride on the Painted Hills Overlook Trail.
  • Day 3: Spend the day rafting on the John Day River.
  • Day 4: Visit the Blue Basin unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, followed by a hike on the Blue Basin Cove Trail.
  • Day 5: Take a guided horseback ride through the nearby Malheur National Forest.
  • Day 6: Visit the nearby hot springs in Prairie City or Ukiah.
  • Day 7: Spend the day relaxing in town, visiting local shops and restaurants.

Food and Drink Scene of John Day

John Day offers a range of dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining establishments. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Steak and potatoes: This classic dish is a local favorite, reflecting the area’s history of ranching.
  • Fresh-caught trout: The John Day River is a popular spot for fishing, and many local restaurants offer fresh-caught trout on their menus.
  • Huckleberry pie: Huckleberries are a popular local fruit, and many restaurants offer delicious huckleberry pies.

Local Beverages

  • Oregon wine: This region of Oregon is known for its wine, and many local restaurants feature a range of Oregon wines on their menus.
  • Beer: John Day has several local breweries that offer unique, locally crafted beers.

Where to Stay in John Day: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

John Day offers several options for lodging, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious guesthouses. Here are some top picks:

  • Dreamers Lodge: This cozy guesthouse offers comfortable rooms and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Hotel Prairie: This historic hotel offers a range of rooms and suites, as well as an on-site restaurant.
  • Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site: This state park offers camping sites and RV hookups, as well as cabins for rent.

What to Buy in John Day: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

There are several local products and souvenirs to bring home from John Day. Here are some top picks:

  • Huckleberry jam: This local jam is made from freshly picked huckleberries.
  • Handmade pottery: Local artists create beautiful pieces of pottery that are unique to the area.
  • John Day agate: John Day is known for its agate, a type of semi-precious stone that can be found in the area.

Local Culture and Customs of John Day

John Day prides itself on its rich history and local culture. Visitors should be respectful of the local customs and traditions, including the area’s history of ranching and mining.

Best Time to Visit John Day

The best time to visit John Day is in the summer, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, visitors should be prepared for hot temperatures during the day and cooler temperatures at night.

Do’s and Don’ts of John Day

Here are some do’s and don’ts for visiting John Day:

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Take advantage of the area’s natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.

Don’t:

  • Ignore the area’s rich history and cultural heritage.
  • Leave trash or litter in the natural areas.
  • Underestimate the hot temperatures during the summer months.

Safety and Health

Safety in John Day

John Day is a relatively safe town, but visitors should take basic safety precautions, such as locking cars and securing valuables.

Health in John Day

Visitors should take precautions to protect against the hot temperatures and strong sun exposure during the summer months. It’s also important to stay hydrated and protected from insects and wildlife during outdoor activities.

Getting to John Day: Transportation Options and Logistics

John Day is located in Eastern Oregon, and is accessible by several transportation options. Here are some top picks:

  • Airports Near John Day: The closest airport is the Eastern Oregon Regional Airport, located in Pendleton, Oregon.
  • Bus Stations Near John Day: The Greyhound bus station is located in nearby Burns, Oregon.
  • Other Options: Visitors can also drive to John Day or take a shuttle or taxi from a nearby airport or bus station.

How to Get Around in John Day

The best way to get around in John Day is by car or bike. There are several rental car options available in nearby towns, and bikes can be rented from local outfitters.

Where to Go Next from John Day: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

John Day is located in a beautiful region of Oregon, offering several nearby destinations and excursions. Here are some top picks:

  • Steens Mountain: This stunning mountain range is located south of John Day and offers stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures.
  • Bend, Oregon: This popular tourist destination is located west of John Day and offers a range of outdoor activities and cultural attractions.
  • Mount Hood: This iconic mountain is located north of John Day and offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, or a relaxing getaway, John Day has something to offer. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your trip and discover all that the town has to offer.